a big body

USAGE SUMMARY

"a big body" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a person's physical appearance or build. Example: She was a tall woman, with a big body and broad shoulders, making her an intimidating presence in the boardroom.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

It's a big body.

The New York Times - Sports

It is beautiful, with a big body.

The New York Times - Magazine

"He's a big body with an unbelievable shot, so heavy.

The New York Times - Sports

He's a big body and he throws it about.

The Guardian - Sport

That's what you have to do against a big body like Kendrick and Rasheed".

The New York Times - Sports

He's so quiet back there, just a big body sitting back there, and he doesn't move.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

A big body-on-frame sport utility, it arrives in a market that has begun to ignore, or even scorn, truck-based S.U.V.'s.

The New York Times

Great football player, but we needed to bring a bigger body inside so we could handle the run.

The New York Times - Sports

This is also not a "single-study syndrome" situation, where one outlier research paper is used to cast doubt on a bigger body of work — as Skeptical Science asserted over the weekend.

The New York Times

"A lot of quarterbacks are in the shotgun, so when these big guys are pushing the offensive line backwards, you need a bigger body to anchor that wall for the quarterback".

The New York Times - Sports

Liebeslieder Walzer sounded gorgeous, though the piece itself works better in its original version for four solo singers: with a bigger body of voices at full throttle, the counterpoint can blur, and Brahms's playfulness assumes a curiously aggressive edge.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person, be mindful of the context and avoid using "a big body" in a way that could be perceived as offensive or insensitive. Focus on specific attributes or characteristics rather than making a general statement about size.

Common error

Using "a big body" without further context can be vague or potentially offensive. Provide specific details or use more descriptive language to convey the intended meaning. For example, instead of saying "he was a big body", consider saying "he had a muscular build" or "he was tall and broad-shouldered".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big body" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It describes a person or object possessing a large physical size. As demonstrated in the Ludwig examples, it is often used in sports contexts to characterize athletes with significant physical presence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Science

4%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big body" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe substantial physical size. As shown by Ludwig, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, often in relation to sports figures. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to consider the potential for misinterpretation or insensitivity, as flagged by Ludwig. When writing, consider using specific details or more descriptive alternatives to avoid ambiguity. The phrase's function is primarily descriptive, serving to quickly convey information about size or mass. Related phrases such as "large physique" or "substantial frame" can offer more nuanced alternatives. It is crucial to understand the implications when using "a big body". The Ludwig AI correctly identifies the phrase as generally acceptable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large physique

Focuses on the physical build, emphasizing size and form.

a substantial frame

Highlights the skeletal structure and overall size.

a heavy build

Emphasizes weight and overall mass.

a bulky form

Suggests a large and possibly cumbersome shape.

an imposing figure

Focuses on the impression of size and authority.

a massive presence

Emphasizes the impact and dominance associated with a large size.

a considerable mass

Highlights the sheer volume and density.

a weighty presence

Emphasizes the influence or importance associated with a large size or position.

a broad stature

Focuses on the width and overall size of a person's body.

a plus-size figure

Refers specifically to a larger body size, often in the context of clothing or body image.

FAQs

How can I use "a big body" in a sentence?

You can use "a big body" to describe someone's physical appearance, such as "He's "a big body" and strong". It can also be used metaphorically, like "There's "a big body of knowledge" to master in this field".

What are some alternatives to using "a big body"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "large physique", "substantial frame", or "imposing figure".

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "a big body"?

While grammatically correct, using "a big body" can sometimes be considered insensitive depending on the context and your audience. Consider the potential impact of your words and choose more descriptive or sensitive language when necessary.

What's the difference between "a big body" and "a bigger body"?

"A big body" generally refers to someone who is large in size. "A bigger body" implies a comparison, suggesting that someone has increased in size or is larger compared to someone or something else.